Rewriting Your Story: How Narrative Therapy Can Empower You to Create Change

Let’s talk about narrative therapy, what it is, how it works, and how it can help you create real change.

The Power of Stories

We all have stories we tell ourselves about who we are and what we’ve been through. These stories shape how we see the world and ourselves. But sometimes, those stories hold us back or keep us stuck in patterns that don’t serve us anymore.

I like to think of narrative therapy as using storytelling to help you step back from the problem. Instead of seeing the problem as who you are, it helps you see it as something separate. What’s really powerful about this is that it creates space for you to rewrite your story and figure out your next steps.

What is Narrative Therapy?

Created by Michael White and David Epston, narrative therapy sees you as the author of your own life. The therapist’s job is to support you in rewriting your story in a way that highlights your strengths, values, and hopes.

Some key ideas include externalizing the problem, which means the problem isn’t you but something you’re dealing with. Re-authoring is about exploring and rewriting your life story to focus on your strengths and goals. And challenging dominant narratives means questioning cultural or societal stories that limit you.

How Narrative Therapy Helps You Rewrite Your Story

While narrative therapy is a powerful way to explore and reshape your story, it’s just one of the approaches I use in therapy. Together, we’ll figure out what tools and techniques fit you best and support your growth.

Along the way, we’ll look at the stories that shape how you see yourself and find moments where you’ve shown strength even if you haven’t noticed them before. From there, we’ll work on creating new stories that open up possibilities instead of holding you back.

Through our conversations and exercises, you’ll start to see your past, present, and future differently and move from feeling stuck to feeling more empowered.

Why Narrative Therapy is Empowering

This approach isn’t about labeling or fixing what’s “wrong.” It’s about giving you the choice and power to see yourself differently. Your past, struggles, or trauma don’t have to define who you are. You can change how you understand your experiences and step into a story that highlights your strengths and the potential ahead.

Final Thoughts

You Have an Active Role in Your Story
Life’s story is complex, shaped by many forces and experiences. While you may not control every chapter, you have an active role in shaping how your story unfolds. You play a meaningful part in deciding how to respond, grow, and live out your strengths and values.

If you’re feeling stuck in a story that limits you, therapy can be a space to explore new perspectives and reclaim your voice in the story of your life.

If you’re wondering how narrative therapy could help you along the way, feel free to reach out. I’d love to support you as you start this journey.

To your brave beginnings,

Alexis

References:

Narrative Therapy | Psychology Today

Learn What Narrative Therapy Is and How It Can Help You: Benefits, Techniques & How It Works

White, M., & Epston, D. (1990). Narrative Means to Therapeutic Ends. Norton & Company.